As a die-hard football fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of NFL team names. It’s like watching your favorite band change their name – it takes some getting used to! Today, I’ll walk you through some of the most interesting name changes in NFL history that have caught my attention and sparked countless conversations among fans.
Washington Commanders: A New Era Begins
Let’s kick things off with the most recent and perhaps most talked-about name change. I still remember the buzz in 2022 when the Washington Football Team finally became the Commanders. After nearly two years of being known simply as the “Football Team” (talk about keeping it simple!), they’ve embraced this powerful new identity that honors the military history of the DC area. It’s been quite the journey from their previous controversial name, which they held from 1933 to 2020.
Tennessee Titans: From Oil to Glory
Here’s a transformation I absolutely love! The Tennessee Titans weren’t always the mighty warriors we know today. They started as the Houston Oilers, rocking those beautiful Columbia blue uniforms from 1960 to 1996. When they moved to Tennessee, they briefly became the Tennessee Oilers (which never quite felt right), before finally emerging as the Titans in 1999. I’ve got to say, naming themselves after Nashville’s nickname “The Athens of the South” was a stroke of genius!
Los Angeles Rams: The Cross-Country Journey
The Rams’ story is like a cross-country road trip! While they kept their name, their location has changed multiple times. From Cleveland to Los Angeles, then to St. Louis, and back to LA again. It’s a testament to how strong their brand is that they’ve maintained their identity through all these moves. Those horns on the helmet are instantly recognizable, no matter which city they call home.
Las Vegas Raiders: Silver and Black in the Desert
While they didn’t change their team name, the Raiders’ journey from Oakland to Los Angeles and back to Oakland, before finally settling in Las Vegas in 2020, is too significant not to mention. The Silver and Black have maintained their intimidating identity throughout these moves, proving that some brands are just too powerful to change.
New York Jets: From Titans to Taking Flight
Here’s one that might surprise you! The Jets weren’t always soaring through the AFC East – they started as the New York Titans in 1960. In 1963, they made the switch to the Jets, and I think we can all agree it was a massive upgrade. The name change coincided with their move to Shea Stadium, which was close to LaGuardia Airport. Now that’s what I call location-appropriate branding!
Kansas City Chiefs: Texas to Missouri
Did you know the Chiefs were originally the Dallas Texans? When Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City in 1963, he wisely changed the name to the Chiefs. The name was partially chosen to honor Mayor H. Roe Bartle, whose nickname was “The Chief.” It’s amazing how this name has become such an integral part of NFL history.
Baltimore Ravens: Rising from the Colts’ Departure
While technically not a name change, the Ravens’ story is unique. After the Colts’ infamous midnight move to Indianapolis, Baltimore eventually got a new team in 1996. They chose “Ravens” to honor Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, as he lived and died in Baltimore. I think it’s one of the most creative and locally significant team names in the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals: A Century of Changes
The Cardinals hold the record for the oldest continuously run professional football team name in the United States, but they’ve had several location changes. From Chicago to St. Louis, and finally to Arizona in 1988, the Cardinals have kept their name while changing their hometown multiple times. Fun fact: they weren’t named after the bird, but rather the color of their faded red uniforms!
The Impact of Name Changes on Fan Culture
I’ve noticed that team name changes often create mixed emotions among fans. While some embrace the new identity immediately, others take time to adjust. It’s fascinating to see
